Kolkata, 12 September (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday night launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the ‘Apne-Apne Ram’ programme held at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata. Speaking in the presence of renowned poet Dr. Kumar Vishwas, Adhikari said that those who had organised a rally in Kolkata in 2024 against the Ram Temple in Ayodhya had been “erased from Bengal by Lord Ram”, in an apparent reference to Mamata Banerjee.

Adhikari said Bengal was the land of freedom fighters, great personalities and saints, and asserted that there would be no compromise on nationalism and Hindu traditions in the state.

He said people should not forget who had organised a rally in Kolkata against the Ram Temple in 2024. According to Adhikari, the people had given their response to those who opposed the Ram Temple and “Lord Ram erased them from Bengal”.

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‘Land Jihad and Love Jihad Will Be Curbed’

Referring to people allegedly entering West Bengal from Bangladesh, Adhikari said the state government had accorded priority to making land available to the Border Security Force (BSF). He claimed that around 90 per cent of the required land had already been provided to the BSF.

He alleged that activities described as “land jihad” and “love jihad” were affecting Bengal’s social and political fabric through infiltration and asserted that his government would take steps to curb them.

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Claims Implementation of 1950 Cattle Rules

Adhikari said the state government had implemented cattle-related provisions dating back to 1950 to protect cows. He claimed that the politics of appeasement followed by previous governments had been brought to an end and that his government was giving priority to the interests of all sections of society while protecting nationalism and cultural values.

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‘Uniform Civil Code Will Be Introduced’

The Chief Minister said the Uniform Civil Code would also be implemented in West Bengal. He said the government was considering bringing legislation to prevent religious conversions.

Adhikari also warned that those involved in harassment of women and girls would not be spared under any circumstances.

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Focus on Hindutva and Nationalism

Referring to religious and cultural programmes organised by the government over the past four months, Adhikari said the government had participated in the Rath Yatra, while flowers were showered from a helicopter at the Tarakeswar Temple. Similar arrangements, he said, had been made at the Tarapith Temple on the occasion of Amavasya.

He asserted that the state government was working to protect Hindutva and nationalism.

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Major Hanuman Chalisa Recitation in Kolkata

Adhikari announced plans to organise a large-scale Hanuman Chalisa recitation in Kolkata. He also said that a major religious programme involving around five lakh people would be organised in December, featuring a mass recitation of the Bhagavad Gita.

He added that programmes involving Swami Rambhadracharya were also scheduled to be held in Kolkata and said preparations were under way for large religious events involving thousands of ceremonial fire pits.

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Gangasagar Mela to Be Developed as International Event

Adhikari said the Gangasagar Mela was being developed as an international fair. He said Bengal’s religious and cultural events would be expanded further in the coming period.

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No Durga Puja Inaugurations Before Mahalaya

On Durga Puja, Adhikari said the festival would be celebrated on a large scale this year, but no Puja would be inaugurated before Mahalaya. He said the government would organise programmes while respecting Hindu traditions and religious beliefs.

He also said that prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol would remain in force across Bengal on Ashtami.

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‘Kolkata’s Cultural Glory Will Be Restored’

Adhikari said Kolkata was once regarded as the cultural capital of the country, but its glory had declined during the 34-year Left Front rule and the subsequent 15-year tenure of Mamata Banerjee.

He said his government would work to restore Kolkata’s old cultural identity and prestige.

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‘Those Seeking Kashmir’s Independence Will Be Crushed in Bengal’

On nationalism, Adhikari said those demanding “independence for Kashmir” would not be tolerated on Bengal’s soil. He asserted that slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” would prevail in Bengal.

He said those who had objected to saying “Vande Mataram” would also have to raise the slogan. He further claimed that “Vande Mataram” had been introduced in madrasas as well.

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Call to Connect Next Generation With Patriotism

Adhikari appealed to parents to connect the younger generation with patriotism and Indian traditions. He said the New Education Policy was necessary but children should also remain connected to their roots and traditions.

He stressed the importance of teaching children traditions such as blowing the conch shell, reciting the Bhagavad Gita, performing religious rituals and applying tilak.

Welcoming Dr. Kumar Vishwas to Kolkata, Adhikari described Bengal as the land of Maa Kali and invoked Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Maa Sarada and Swami Vivekananda. He welcomed Vishwas to Kolkata with the chant of “Har Har Mahadev” and said his government was working continuously to revive Bengal’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

‘Remaining Work Will Be Completed With People’s Blessings’

Adhikari said the government had taken several important steps during its initial tenure, but much more remained to be done. He said that with the continued blessings of the people, the government would fulfil all its commitments and meet the expectations of the common people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh